CSM Fitness Classes Offer New Skills, Accountability

For those who are looking to add something new to their workout routine, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) offers a solution — take a fitness class.

CSM offers a variety of fitness classes that provide professional training and oversight in a supportive environment. Classes in Zumba, spinning, kickboxing, aquatic exercise, yoga, tai chi, pilates, drumming and many more are available and appropriate for a range of fitness levels.

“Classes are great way to gain familiarity with a new sport or to cross-train with your current workout,” said CSM Wellness, Fitness and Aquatics Assistant Director Kyle Kebaugh. “Participants also report that the social aspect of a class adds to the fun and accountability, helping participants persevere as they improve their skills and get stronger.”

This spring, CSM is offering several new classes such as MELT primarily at the Leonardtown Campus and Paddleboard Yoga at the La Plata Campus, along with the returning, in-demand offerings like Fit Over 40 primarily at the Prince Frederick Campus. Early registration is recommended.

Ready to MELT?

The Leonardtown Campus fitness center invites area residents to manage chronic pain and the effects of aging through the Myofascial Energetic Length Technique or MELT method. Both Intro to the MELT Method (WFA-6350) and The MELT Method (WFA-6400) are being offered this spring for the first time.

Instructor for these new CSM courses, Laura Bruce of Valley Lee, is a Level 2 certified MELT Method instructor as well as a certified yoga teacher and yoga therapist, with more than 1,000 hours of training. “The classes will benefit anyone interested in reducing pain, stiffness and visible signs of aging” Bruce said.

Bruce personally attests to the value of the MELT approach. “The MELT Method has helped me reduce pain and manage the symptoms of pain associated with scoliosis and my recovery from ovarian cancer,” she said.

The MELT Method, created by Sue Hitzman, a manual therapist and connective tissue specialist, is a simple self-treatment that involves working with a soft foam roller or small balls to reduce the effects of accumulated tension and stress caused by daily living. Through a series of easy, specific techniques, this program is designed to rehydrate connective tissue, making it more supportive and allowing the body to release long-held tension that can lead to chronic pain symptoms. MELT is also designed to help decrease accumulated stress in the nervous system, improving any person’s overall wellness, Bruce said.

Bruce said that MELT is helpful for those in their 40s, 50s, and older who want to stay active, mobile and independent as well as for active younger adults and athletes who want to maintain a fit, toned body and achieve optimal performance without debilitating wear and tear. “It is a great starting point for any exercise program,” she said.

“CSM welcomes MELT into the community in order to provide its patrons with new and refreshing opportunities to use fitness and wellness to improve daily living,” Kebaugh said.

Intro to the MELT Method classes will start February 27 and April 10 at the Leonardtown Campus and March 23 at the La Plata Campus. The MELT Method will start Feb. 27 and April 10 at the Leonardtown Campus.

Bonus Balancing: Paddleboard Yoga

Paddleboard Yoga (WFA-8260) is a new class being offered at the La Plata Campus Fitness Center this spring. “We are one of the first to offer this at an indoor pool in our state and even region,” said CSM Aquatic and Community Services Coordinator Tony Galeano. “I am excited because this is different than anything we have offered in the pool. You are working on strengthening, flexibility and stabilization. It’s a total body workout and a lot of fun at the same time.”

Galeano said he expects the class to fill up quickly. There are 10 spots and registration will be first-come, first-served until it is filled up or when the first day of class begins.

The value of combining yoga and a paddleboard comes from the additional challenge of keeping balanced on an unstable surface. “This course offers similar benefits to yoga, but keeping your balance on the board requires more core and stabilization muscles,” Galeano said. “It is going to be a lot of fun and challenging at the same time.

While the course is challenging, Galeano said it works for any fitness level. “Our instructors are very experienced in accommodating all fitness levels, but participants should be comfortable on an unstable surface and be prepared to fall in the water from time and get wet,” he said.

The first Paddleboard Yoga class will begin April 3 at the La Plata Campus. Other popular fitness classes offered at the La Plata Campus pool include aqua exercise and aqua zumba classes and swim lessons.

Feeling Fit Over 40

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, adults lose a half of a pound of lean muscle tissue each decade after the age 25; this progressive muscle loss is advanced by inactivity and yo-yo dieting, resulting in decreased energy, metabolism and strength. To work with those fighting the effects of aging, the Prince Frederick Campus Fitness Center offers its Fit Over 40 class (WFA-6000).

Using functional conditioning and a combination of muscular and cardiovascular training, Fitness Trainer Melvina Frazier motivates and challenges course participants with exercises to suit each participant’s experience and fitness level.

“We focus on muscular endurance/strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular training,” Frazier said. “Fit over 40 is a great course for your overall health, and it prevents loss of muscle mass that starts around age 40.”

The class is appropriate for all levels of ability, she said. “This class is designed to meet fitness needs at any level. Exercises are customized to ensure clients’ fitness goals are met,” Frazier said.

Fit Over 40 classes are set to start April 4 and May 14 at the Prince Frederick Campus. In addition, a Fit Over 40 class is scheduled to start April 26 at the La Plata Campus.